I've been blogging for a living for a quite a while now, (four sites and four years, to be exact) and I think it's safe to say I have tried just about everything. Every affiliate, every app, every worksheet and template, every photo editor. I have even tried out quite a few platforms, including Wix, Wordpress, Blogger, and (my love) Squarespace.

It's exhausting trying to find the proper mix to suit your own business, and sometimes it even ends up being accidentally expensive when you are trying out products to see if you need them (I'm looking at you Leadpages).

Here is the updated list of what I am currently using in my business to automate, grow engagement, and streamline so that I can deliver the best possible product for my readers.

The tools that are linked are affiliate links. I recommend signing up for these affiliate programs as well, because these products are *in my opinion* great.

Tech

Acer Chromebook - yup that's right... Real computers stress me out. I have two in my closet, and all I use is a chromebook.

Social Media

Ok! That's pretty much the round-up for what keeps my blog business running smoothly, and has simplified my efforts. You can try some, all, or none... That is up to you and how YOU run your business.

One thing I learned, (and believe me - it took me a while to learn these lessons) is that less is more. I used to spend so much time on my social media engagement, typing out Mailchimp newsletters, driving places to find perfect lighting, watching the clock so I could post at the perfect time for each social media platform... Why did I do it?!

I did it because I hadn't yet realized how to streamline my efforts and make my efforts evergreen so that they got me results 24/7. I look at these tools like my employees now, because they totally work for me, so I can focus on publishing great content instead. Don't sweat the small stuff!

If you have any questions about any of the products that I listed above, you can feel free to leave a comment below with your question. I'd be happy to help!